COTTONWOOD FALLS — A 51-year-old Garnett woman was found alive Saturday afternoon after she was found after being missing in one of the most rugged parts of the Flint Hills for three days. Searchers found Debra Johnston at an isolated rural Chase County farmstead, Chase County Sheriff Richard Dorneker told KVOE Radio, Emporia. The search began after she abandoned her disabled car along the Kansas Turnpike about 25 miles southwest of Emporia and she struck out cross country Wednesday, Dorneker said. He said rapidly falling temperatures and the approach this weekend’s major winter storm prompted a frantic search over rough terrain involving officers from three counties, search dogs, ATVs and a helicopter. “We were hoping for the best but sort in the back of our minds were expecting the worst,” Dorneker said. “At least she was able to get inside and stay warm because she definitely didn’t have clothes for this sort of weather.” She was hospitalized.
Monday, Dec. 23, 8 a.m.
